Did Chris stop responding? Did VB refuse to refund or send out a new fork?
What a complete crap shoot...
Chris is replying, but he doesn't seem to acknowledge the issue. He told me that this axle is right for a 100mm hub (something that I agree on), and that I should just try to put my wheels in the fork. The wheels haven't arrived yet (and I have no spare set of 100mm hubbed-wheels lying around, so I can't do this) but I don't know how I could place a 100mm hub wheel in a dropout that measures 82mm. I feel that we've gone in circles in that area for a few emails now, so I've asked him to escalate the issue to his manager or at least acknowledge that I have a problem. I've also mentioned that if this doesn't happen that I will have no other option than to go to Paypal to start the refund claim process. If that's succesful, then I have no idea who will have to fork over the 170USD for shipping the frame back.
Something to add: there was no visible damage on the box when delivered. The fork also has no cracked paint or anything, which I would expect if the fork was bent in transit. I have honestly no clue how this happened, as their mold will be correctly spaced. In the end, it should not be my problem either. I just want a replacement fork.
Will keep everyone up to date.